Emirates and Tennis champion Djokovic ‘hangout’ with fans

26 February 2013

DUBAI, U.A.E., 26th February 2013: Emirates, Official Airline of the ATP World Tour and title sponsor of the ATP Rankings, hosted its first live-on-air Google+ Hangout with the number one ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic, and tennis fans from around the world including Emirates Skywards members. To watch the Hangout go to Emirates’ YouTube Channel.

“As Official Airline of the ATP World Tour and title sponsor of the ATP Rankings, Emirates supports professional tennis on a global level,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group. “By enabling fans to get closer to tennis legends and to interact with them directly via Google+ Hangouts, we are able to share our passion for the sport and to give our customers rewarding, once in a lifetime experiences.”

Currently ranked number one, Novak Djokovic also held the top ranking by the ATP in 2011 and 2012 and is considered by many to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time, winning six Grand Slam singles titles. Highlights from the Hangout include questions posed to Djokovic by participants about his favourite tennis memories, tips for aspiring tennis players and his fitness regime. When asked who he would play against if he could challenge anyone in the world, Djokovic said he would pick ‘Bono, on a clay court, in Monte Carlo.’

Novak Djokovic participating in Emirates' first Google+ Hangout

Emirates launched its Google+ page in September 2012, attracting nearly 500,000 fans in the first five months, making it one of the most active and followed pages on the social platform. The Emirates Google+ page enables fans to share their passions for photography, travel and aviation.

Social media plays a key role in the airline's evolution from a travel brand to a global lifestyle brand. As well as its Google+ page and YouTube channel, Emirates also has a strong Facebook presence with over 1.3 million fans.